Why I'm Asking for Your Help:
When I began to pursue my dream of graduating from a four-year university, I realized I would be completely financially independent and living off of loans from the U.S. Department of Education. Supplementing this federal assistance has always been difficult, and finding alternative sources of income takes significant time from my academic program. As I began my Senior year at UC, Berkeley, I made the difficult decision to focus only on my academics and extra-curricular activities, believing I had enough personally saved up to supplement my financial aid. This decision has allowed me to make significant progress towards my degree, with my research, and in my advocacy work, but there have been many unforeseen financial burdens (medical, housing, etc.) that presented themselves at the same time. In addition, I did not receive the same amount of aid this year as I have in the past.
At the end of this past summer, I was faced with finding new housing despite the current housing crisis in Berkeley, CA. I was fortunate to find a loving, supportive home, but the initial move in cost was $2,250 (of which my loans only covered $850). The remaining $1,700 was for the security deposit - which is not factored into a student's financial aid disbursement. In order to cover the cost, I used parts of my federal aid that were meant for food and rent later on in the semester. Since that point, I have also started looking for part-time work and have been having extreme difficulty meeting existing commitments. For the first time since I began as a student at Cal, I am having difficulty making ends meet, and find myself in a position where I have no choice but to ask for help.
What You'd Be Helping Me Accomplish:
Any help you can give would allow me to continue pursuing my B.A. in Molecular & Cell Biology without fear of losing my housing, to continue supporting other students as a volunteer confidential advocate at the ASUC's Student Advocate's Office, to further develop my love of research through my work in the Botchan Lab at UC, Berkeley's Li Ka Shing Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences, and to represent my community as a member of the ASUC's Sexual Violence Commission; the Chancellor's Coordinated Campus Review Team (CCRT) on Sexual Violence & Sexual Harassment; and the PATH to Care Student Advisory Board. If you combine the time spent with each of these commitments, it constitutes well over 40 hours/week.
You can read more about what I'm doing on my LinkedIn. These commitments mean the absolute world to me - and I sincerely believe I am making a positive impact on the world around me - but I really cannot do it without your help. It takes a village.
What the Funds Will Be Used For:
November-December 2018:
- Rent & Utilities: $850 + ~$100 /mo.
- Food & Household Necessities: ~$250/mo.
- Medical Expenses: ~$100/mo.
- Unforeseen Circumstances: ~$200/mo.
Total: ~ $3,000
My mother and I cannot even begin to express our gratitude that you have even taken the time to look at this campaign, and read through my story. Anything and everything helps and I promise I will pay it forward.
When I began to pursue my dream of graduating from a four-year university, I realized I would be completely financially independent and living off of loans from the U.S. Department of Education. Supplementing this federal assistance has always been difficult, and finding alternative sources of income takes significant time from my academic program. As I began my Senior year at UC, Berkeley, I made the difficult decision to focus only on my academics and extra-curricular activities, believing I had enough personally saved up to supplement my financial aid. This decision has allowed me to make significant progress towards my degree, with my research, and in my advocacy work, but there have been many unforeseen financial burdens (medical, housing, etc.) that presented themselves at the same time. In addition, I did not receive the same amount of aid this year as I have in the past.
At the end of this past summer, I was faced with finding new housing despite the current housing crisis in Berkeley, CA. I was fortunate to find a loving, supportive home, but the initial move in cost was $2,250 (of which my loans only covered $850). The remaining $1,700 was for the security deposit - which is not factored into a student's financial aid disbursement. In order to cover the cost, I used parts of my federal aid that were meant for food and rent later on in the semester. Since that point, I have also started looking for part-time work and have been having extreme difficulty meeting existing commitments. For the first time since I began as a student at Cal, I am having difficulty making ends meet, and find myself in a position where I have no choice but to ask for help.
What You'd Be Helping Me Accomplish:
Any help you can give would allow me to continue pursuing my B.A. in Molecular & Cell Biology without fear of losing my housing, to continue supporting other students as a volunteer confidential advocate at the ASUC's Student Advocate's Office, to further develop my love of research through my work in the Botchan Lab at UC, Berkeley's Li Ka Shing Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences, and to represent my community as a member of the ASUC's Sexual Violence Commission; the Chancellor's Coordinated Campus Review Team (CCRT) on Sexual Violence & Sexual Harassment; and the PATH to Care Student Advisory Board. If you combine the time spent with each of these commitments, it constitutes well over 40 hours/week.
You can read more about what I'm doing on my LinkedIn. These commitments mean the absolute world to me - and I sincerely believe I am making a positive impact on the world around me - but I really cannot do it without your help. It takes a village.
What the Funds Will Be Used For:
November-December 2018:
- Rent & Utilities: $850 + ~$100 /mo.
- Food & Household Necessities: ~$250/mo.
- Medical Expenses: ~$100/mo.
- Unforeseen Circumstances: ~$200/mo.
Total: ~ $3,000
My mother and I cannot even begin to express our gratitude that you have even taken the time to look at this campaign, and read through my story. Anything and everything helps and I promise I will pay it forward.